Giant coloured gorillas heading for Llan

* The troop of gorillas making their way to Llangollen.

A troop of giant multi-coloured gorillas will stand guard over this year’s Llangollen International Music festival.

The 10 sheet metal gorillas, standing 6ft tall and weighing nearly 16 stone, will go on show for the first time when the iconic festival of singing and dancing gets underway on Tuesday, July 7.

The spectacular primates, each clutching a huge bunch of bananas, have been created at the British Ironwork Centre near Oswestry.

After Llangollen, the gorillas will be taken on  a tour of festivals across the UK.
Their creator is Clive Knowles, 53, chairman of the British Ironwork Centre, who are supporting this year's Eisteddfod.

Last year a single giant gorilla sculpture made from 20,000 caused a sensation on the Llangollen Eisteddfod field and Clive is expecting an even bigger reaction this time.

He said: “The original spoon gorilla was designed and created as a result of a challenge I was set by Uri Geller. We were making some Victorian lampposts for his driveway and he was visiting the site when he challenged me to use spoons to make a giant gorilla.

“Well, we managed it, and used 20,000 metal spoons in the process. Uri Geller came to Oswestry to unveil the sculpture along with Prince Michael of Kent.

“They were both amazed and Uri Geller couldn’t believe what we’d achieved. To be fair, there’s nothing quite like it anywhere else in the world. That sculpture was such a massive hit and was on TV reports around the world from Argentina to Zimbabwe and the US to China.

“It’s now on a tour of hospitals and hospices all around the UK. So I decided to make a whole troop of gorillas, but out of colourful metals, and adopt the gorilla as our signature sculpture.

“All the new gorillas are made from sheet metal discs which are individually hand-beaten. I designed them; my history is in art, design and metal work. Each one takes six weeks to complete, we have four metal workers on the task, and we started making the troop in June of last year.”

He added: “After Llangollen they will also go on a tour of the UK and are set for the Great Gorilla Run in London in September. That’s an event that raises funds for gorilla conservation in the wild.

“But, other than here at the British Iron Works Centre, their first public appearance will be at Llangollen. I’m proud to be associated with the International Music Eisteddfod, it’s such a unique and wonderful event.

“The atmosphere is just fabulous and the fact the ethos is all about peace and harmony is just wonderful. Children are incredibly drawn to the gorillas and that’s why I wanted to make the troop colourful and fun.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the reaction when Eisteddfod visitors see the gorilla troop. They really are striking.”

Other big draws during Eisteddfod week include Oscar-winning music legend Burt Bacharach, the immensely popular Canadian singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright, heart-throb tenor Alfie Boe and TV choirmaster Gareth Malone.

 

There will also be the world premiere of a new work to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Welsh colony in Patagonia in a concert that will also star former royal harpist Catrin Finch.

 

Other big draws during Eisteddfod week include Oscar-winning music legend Burt Bacharach, the immensely popular Canadian singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright, heart-throb tenor Alfie Boe and TV choirmaster Gareth Malone.

 

There will also be the world premiere of a new work to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Welsh colony in Patagonia in a concert that will also star former royal harpist Catrin Finch.

 

The Eisteddfod's musical director said: "We have a really exciting programme this year that is going to once again transform the beautiful town of Llangollen into a multi-coloured melting pot of music and dance.

"And this year visitors will be given an even more spectacular welcome thanks to the troop of giant multi-coloured gorillas. They are going to give us even more wow factor."
According to Clive Knowles, his next project is also massive.

He said: “With the backing of the Home Office we are currently working with all 43 British police forces and supplying them with boxes so the public can dispose of blades and weapons as part on an amnesty.

“We then intend to build a 24ft high angel out of the weapons as a monument against aggression and violence.

“It’s our intention Chief Constables, Police and Crime Commissioners, former offenders and prisoners, victim support workers and so forth will come to Oswestry and each weld a knife, or other weapon, into place as part of the sculpture.”

He added: “We want the sculpture to be made of 100,000 blades and knives that will, as a result of amnesties, have been removed from UK streets. We have started on the angel but its design is being kept secret and we hope to have it unveiled by a senior member of the Royal Family.

“It will be going on show on the fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square once it’s complete which will be wonderful. It’s all about getting every UK police force to embrace the idea and work with us so we have the materials to work with.

“We hope to have the angel finished by the end of the year or early in the New Year. In the mean time I know our troop of giant gorillas is going to be a massive hit at Llangollen. I can’t wait to see the reaction.”     

* To book tickets for Llangollen International Musical Festival and for more details about what's on go to the website at www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk  

 

Plas Newydd garden fete this Saturday

The annual Garden Fete will be held at Plas Newydd this Saturday June 6, from 2pm.

Members of Llangollen Rotary Club, Inner Wheel Club and the newly-formed Dee Valley Rotary Club will be there to welcome you.

Llangollen town band will be there to serenade you, Punch and Judy will entertain and you can try your skills at various games and competitions.

There will be numerous stalls, including home-made cakes and a plant stall.

The tea tent will provide teas, coffees, soft drinks, sandwiches and cakes.

Apart from the Punch and Judy Show, the children can enjoy plenty of fun games, face painting  and a treasure hunt.              

NatWest is to close Llan branch in September

NATWEST Bank has announced this afternoon (Wednesday) that it is to close its branch in Castle Street, Llangollen in September.

A statement from the bank says: "We have taken the difficult decision to close the NatWest Llangollen branch on the 21^st September 2015.

"We are working hard to ensure there are a number of alternative ways for people in the area to continue to bank with us.

"We have reached an agreement with the local Post Office, which is 0.1 miles away from the branch so that our customers can check their balance, deposit and withdraw funds, and business customers can get coinage. 

 

"We will keep the ATM in the local community, and there are also 4 other free to use ATMs within 1 mile of the branch.

 

"We are introducing a mobile branch service to the community and we will be engaging with our customers and the local community to understand the best day and time for the mobile branch to visit. 

 

"The number of transactions taking place at NatWest Llangollen branch has dropped by 38% since 2011 and only 35 customers use the branch on a regular weekly basis.  Sixteen of these customers already use other branches in the area. 

 

"We are committed to following the UK Government protocol on branch closures, and we have made the decision following careful consideration of a wide range of factors including branch usage and the alternative ways our customers can bank with us locally. 

 

"Our customers are increasingly using alternative ways to bank with them such as online and mobile banking.  As a result, branch transactions have declined by around 36% since 2010 whilst online and mobile transactions have grown by more than 300%. Only 9% of their total transactions are now undertaken in branches in comparison to 25% in 2010. 

 

"We are writing to all of our customers who use the branch, as well as displaying posters in branch to let them know of the closure. Between now and the closure date, we will engage with all of our customers, local businesses and the wider local community to make sure they are aware of the alternative ways of accessing their banking with us in the local area, and to answer any questions they might have."

 

The announcement has caused anger amongst local politicians.

 

Clwyd South Assembly Member Ken Skates, who has his office in Llangollen, said: “I am bitterly disappointed by this decision and will be seeking an urgent meeting with NatWest.

“I am a NatWest customer myself and this will mean people will have to go to Wrexham for a face-to-face service, which remains particularly important to many. It’s not even in the same county and it’s simply too far to travel for some.

 

“Loyal customers haven’t even been consulted about this and many will find out that their branch is closing through the local press, so NatWest shouldn’t be surprised if people show the company the same disregard and opt to take their money elsewhere.”

 

He added: “If these closures are pushed through, I will demand assurances that the mobile unit mentioned by NatWest will visit Llangollen several times a week and that all customers will be fully informed about when it will be available.” 

 

Local county councillor Stuart Davies said: "I am deeply disappointed to hear this news.

 

"All banks should remember that with the right to make a profit comes responsibility to communities such as Llangollen.

 

"This closure will cause particular difficulties for the large number of businesses in the town plus local clubs and societies who have cash and cheques to bank.

 

"These will now have to be taken to other branches, leading to major inconvenience and security problems."

 

As yet there has been no confirmation of the move by NatWest. 

Online forum seeks views on Sainsbury's site

* The site where the supermarket building is emerging.

A COMMUNITY group in Llangollen has set up an online forum to gather residents’ views on what should happen to the supermarket being built in the town now that Sainsbury’s are no longer planning to use it themselves.

A few weeks ago the superstore chain made the bombshell announcement that, due to tough trading conditions, it would no longer be going ahead with opening a new store on the former site of the Dobson & Crowther printworks on Berwyn Road.

The news has led to widespread speculation about what should now be done with the 34,000 square foot building, the metal structure of which is currently being laid.

And this has prompted the Llangollen Cittaslow group to set up an online forum to which local people can contribute their ideas and suggestions for the building’s future.   

Town councillor Phil Thane, who is leading the initiative, said: “Last month Sainsbury’s announced that they no longer planned to open a store in Llangollen.

“However, J Ross, the developers, are still building it and Sainsbury’s have a contract to take it once it's finished so they need an alternative use.

“A senior figure in Sainsbury’s property section has been quoted as saying that they are actively marketing the site to interested parties and would be interested to hear any ideas for the site, so we are complying with this.”

Cllr Thane added: “Whatever you think about Sainsbury’s and supermarkets in general, no-one wants an empty eyesore in town, so the Cittaslow Llangollen group decided to create a public forum where everyone can make suggestions.

“They have set it up and Sainsbury’s have promised to follow it.

“Now it's up to the people of Llangollen to make their feelings known.

“The forum is at: www.cittaslow.llangollentowncouncil.co.uk or at: www.forum.llangollen.cymru

“Click on Cittaslow Forum. You can join any of the discussions, or click on New Topic and start your own.

“If you haven't used the Cittaslow site before, you need to register.”

 

Government issues statement on Llan roadworks

* The roadworks on the A5 where temporary repairs have now begun. 

The North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent, which operates on behalf of the Welsh Government, has issued a statement to residents about current roadworks in Llangollen.

This deals with temporary lights on the A5, around Tyn y Wern, and on Berwyn Road.

 

The statement says: “The North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent, working on behalf of the Welsh Government, manage this section of trunk road, and due to the detection of movement and distress in the carriageway it was closed to two way traffic on the 12th December 2014.

 

“This closure ensures the safety of highway users and allowed investigations to be undertaken to identify the reasons for the movement and to provide information for the design of temporary repair works. 

“It is appreciated that the lane closure has caused some inconvenience and delay to residents, businesses and users of the A5 and the adjacent roads. To mitigate this, the traffic signals are being operated manually at peak times to minimise queuing, and additional signage has been installed to limit obstructions to entrances and deter traffic from seeking diversions on unsuitable roads, such as Maesmawr Road and Birch Hill.

“The works to temporarily strengthen the retaining walls will commence on the 1st June 2015 and will continue for 6 to 8 weeks. During this period pedestrians will be prohibited from using the footway within the roadworks, however pedestrian access to Birch Hill and Maesmawr Road will not be restricted. It is anticipated that the A5 at this location will be fully opened to two way traffic in time for the International Eisteddfod on 6th July.”

On the temporary lights in connection with the supermarket development on the A5 Berwyn Road the statement says: “This new store development is underway and will include carriageway closures to two way traffic to allow for safe execution of the works to construct a new access to the store and essential statutory undertakers diversions.

“Temporary traffic signals will be in place from 1st June to 3rd July 2015, operated manually at peak times and removed at weekends where possible. Traffic signals will also be required between 13th and 17th July 2015 to complete final re-surfacing of the new junction/access to the site.

“The developer is doing all he can to minimise disruption to traffic whilst these works are underway, including re-programming the works to avoid any restriction to traffic during the International Eisteddfod week, 6th to 12th July  2015.

“Your continued patience and cooperation on this matter is much appreciated. Additional information can be found on the Welsh Government Traffic Wales website: http://www.traffic-wales.com”

Llangollen county councillor Stuart Davies commented: “The agent originally applied for a temporary lane closure last August.

“This road has now been closed for the best part of six months and I’d like to know why making even temporary repairs has taken so long.

“I’d also like to know why, if they knew this job was going to last so long, they haven’t kept local people better informed about what’s going on.

“We’ve been treated like mushroom men with the way we’ve been kept in the dark and getting information has been like drawing teeth every step of the way.”   

 

Police launch summer drink drive campaign

With summer just around the corner police across Wales are warning motorists that officers will be on heightened alert to spot anyone driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

Led by North Wales Police, the month-long All Wales Summer Anti Drink and Drug Drive Campaign throughout June, will see all four Welsh police forces increase the pressure and focus on those drivers who drink and drive or drive under the influence of drugs.

Sergeant Alun Davies from North Wales Police’ Roads Policing Unit said: “We all enjoy the prospect of longer evenings and the possibilities they present for socialising in homes, gardens, local pubs, festivals and other events.

“But there is a price to be paid for thinking that, if you drink or take drugs and get behind the wheel, you will still be safe. More people may be tempted to have a few drinks and may drive without thinking of the consequences.

“Think before you go out, watch what you drink and plan how you will get home.

“This summer will be the first campaign with the new drug testing kits to help detect cannabis and cocaine as well as standard kits for alcohol testing, so we are better equipped than ever to detect and penalise those who take this very dangerous risk. Using intelligence received from the public we’ll be ready for action to keep the road network safe, whether it be at night or the morning after.”

New legislation came into force in March 2015 which sets legal limits for how much of a substance – both illegal drugs and prescription medications motorists can have in their system whilst driving. A new device now allows officers to test at the roadside using a swab from inside the driver’s mouth, to see if a motorist has taken cannabis or cocaine.

Officers made their first arrest the day after the new legislation came into being – a 19-year-old man from Anglesey was arrested following a damage-only road traffic collision in Holyhead. He was subsequently charged and appeared before the town’s Magistrates where he was disqualified from driving for 18 months and received fines totalling £305.

Between March 4^th and May 28th North Wales Police’ Roads Policing Unit have carried out 61 drug swipe tests using the new kits with 18 of those testing positive.

North Wales Police has a robust strategy around enforcing the ‘Fatal 5’ offences which are drink and drug driving, dangerous driving including unnecessary risk taking, speeding, failing to wear a seatbelt and using a mobile phone whilst driving.

Sergeant Davies added: “We are committed to assisting in reducing the risk of becoming a casualty on the road through the use of targeted operations around high risk groups of people and locations while enforcing the ‘Fatal 5’ offences.”

“If you drink and drive or drive under the influence of drugs you will potentially not only ruin your life, but the lives of others innocently associated with you and your actions. There is absolutely no excuse for driving impaired and the consequences can be devastating.

“You not only risk killing or seriously injuring yourself or someone else, but you will end up in court and could face a fine, lose your licence or receive a jail sentence. You will have a criminal record and you could lose your job.”

Susan Storch, Chair of Road Safety Wales, added:  “Through education, training and publicity initiatives throughout Wales, partners in Road Safety Wales strive to remind road users of the risks and consequences of the ‘Fatal 5’. Unfortunately, despite education and warnings, too many drivers are prepared to risk driving whilst impaired by drink or drugs.

“Road Safety Wales is committed to reducing the number of road casualties caused by irresponsible behaviour and will continue to support our Police colleagues during this campaign and throughout the year. Drivers who choose to flout the law should realise that there is a strong chance that they will be detected and prosecuted and that the penalties will be severe.”

Also supporting this year’s campaign is the Welsh Ambulance Service.

Rhyl Paramedic Dermot O’Leary, the Welsh Ambulance Service’s road safety champion said: “Road traffic collisions are sudden tragic events which can send shockwaves through families, friends and communities. Unfortunately too many drivers are still prepared to risk driving under the influence of drink or drugs. Making the public aware of the risks associated with drink and drug driving will hopefully lead to fewer incidents in which we literally have to pick up the pieces.”

Stuart Millington, Senior Fire Safety Manager, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “Firefighters attend many road traffic collisions every year and witness some of the horrific consequences of simple mistakes made every day by people behind the wheel. We are pleased to be supporting the launch of this Drink and Drug Drive campaign to try and educate the public about the dangers associated with drinking and then driving.”

* Anyone with information regarding individuals who are believed to drive whilst over the legal limit or under the influence of drugs, can contact North Wales Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Car overturns on Horseshoe Pass

The Leader is reporting on its website that a car overturned on the Horseshoe Pass just before noon today (Monday).

For the full story, see: http://leaderlive.co.uk/news/148650/lane-blocked-after-car-overturned-on-horseshoe-pass.aspx

Councillor's personal recollections of trusty Dakota

 

* The World War Two era Dakota which overflew Llangollen recently. 

 

Llanblogger’s recent story about a World War Two Dakota transport plane overflying Llangollen has prompted personal recollections of the trusty aircraft from local county councillor Stuart Davies.

Last week we reported that a C-47 Dakota, in D-Day identification markings, had flown twice through the Dee Valley last Thursday afternoon, causing a great deal of interest each time.

Later, llanblogger learned from the public relations team at the Battle of Britain memorial Flight (BBMF), based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, that the plane – identification number ZA947 – had been making its way to and from a families day at RAF Valley on Anglesey when it was spotted.

Cllr Davies (pictured below) has now been in touch to tell us of his own warm memories of the type of aircraft.

He said: “I noted with interest the story about the Dakota aircraft flying over Llangollen.

“When I first went to work in Angola in 1977 I flew there in what was then the latest modern aircraft, a DC10.

“When I arrived I was shown to the plane that would take me north to Soyo, a small village on the banks of the River Zaire. It was a Second World War Dakota that was being used by the oil companies there for internal transport.

“It was a rugged workhorse that could land on a dirt strip or a tarmac one.

“Built during the war, the design brief was that it could take off, with a load, on one engine.”

Cllr Davies added: “I found out later it had served with the Belgian air force.

“This design was to my liking because one day, when the `Dak’ I was on lost one of its engines due to a malfunction, it carried on without any problems.

“Its ruggedness and simplicity was also evident on another occasion when I was in charge of getting a drill rig crew-change home.

“The starter motor wouldn’t start the port engine, however with the help of a piece of rope and my trusty co-workers, we got it going.

“The rope was wrapped around the propeller and a chain gang of the workers pulling on it soon had it going.

“Health and safety eat your heart out!”

The Douglas C-47 Dakota is acknowledged as one of the most successful aircraft designs in history.

It became one of the world's most famous military transport aircraft and saw widespread use by the Allies during World War Two and subsequently by air forces and civilian operators worldwide.

The BBMF website shows that the C-47 Dakota seen in the skies above Llangollen last week was manufactured in the USA by Douglas in March 1942 and initially issued to the United States Army Air Force.

In September that year the aircraft was transferred to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and served in Canada during World War Two.

It was subsequently deployed to Europe with the RCAF until declared surplus to requirements by the Canadians in 1971.

The Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE) at Farnborough then purchased the aircraft and has used it for a variety of tasks and trials, including dropping sonar buoys through holes cut in the fuselage and for launching remotely piloted vehicles.

Cleared for dropping paratroops, she often displayed in this role and occasionally appeared in the static park at air shows.

In 1992 the Defence Research Agency, the successor to the RAE, declared ZA947 surplus to requirements.

The aircraft was adopted by Strike Command and issued to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight in 1993.

As there are now no other multi-engine tail wheel aircraft in RAF service outside the BBMF, the Dakota is an important training asset used for initial training of aircrew for the BBMF multi-engine aircraft and for renewing the currency of the flight’s Lancaster pilots each year.

The Dakota is a sought-after display aircraft in her own right and, as such, appears regularly on the air show circuit either on her own or as part of a BBMF formation.

She continues to be capable of para-dropping and is used in that role for special commemorative events.

ZA947 is now painted to represent Dakota FZ692 of N^o 233 Squadron, around the D-Day period in 1944.

That aircraft, which was named ‘Kwicherbichen’ by her crews, was involved in para-dropping operations on the eve of D-Day and subsequently in re-supply and casualty evacuation missions into and out of forward airfields in the combat areas.

The female nurses who escorted the casualties on these flights became known as ‘The Flying Nightingales’.

By the end of 1944, 1,092 stretcher cases and 467 sitting wounded had been evacuated to England by the 233 Squadron Dakotas.

* Fore more details about the aircraft see: http://www.raf.mod.uk/bbmf/theaircraft/dakotahistory.cfm

Silver Band to stage annual picnic in the park

* The youth and training bands performing at last year's event.

Tickets are now on sale for Llangollen Silver Band's popular annual Picnic in the Garden at Plas Newydd.

The event, which will be held on Sunday, June 28, from 4.30pm-6.30pm, will feature performances from all three sections of the band  - senior, intermediate and training - and special guests.

Tickets can be bought from Honey Pots, the Town Clerk's office and Plas Newydd, priced at £5 with under-sevens free.

Audience members are welcome to bring along their own picnic, something to drink, a chair and an umbrella.

Kids' games and a cake stall will also be available during the afternoon.

 

Warning goes out over cold callers

Local members of Neighbourhood Watch have been sent the following message:

"Following reports of cold callers in the area, we would like to remind you of some safety advice to help you when confronted with an unexpected visit.

Although there are callers who a genuine, it is not easy to establish who is genuine and who might be a rogue trader or bogus caller.

Bogus Callers are conmen (or women) who use a variety of stories to gain access to your home in order to steal. They may pretend to be someone from your local council, gas, water or Electricity Company and give you a good excuse to enter your home.

Rogue Traders are people who pretend to be builders needing to do ‘urgent’ repairs to your property or sales people offering bargain products. They often try to confuse or pressurise you to pay in advance for materials or carry out poor work at highly inflated prices.

The aim of this information is to help you deal more confidently with people who call at your door and provide you with information to enable you to obtain hel p and advice if you need it.

REMEMBER genuine callers will not mind waiting. It’s your home. You don’t have to let anyone in!

• If in doubt, keep them out. It sounds simple, but if you don’t let someone in - they will go away. Don’t let them pressure you into opening the door.
• Be prepared. Be in control. Think about what to say to doorstep cold callers in advance and keep a list of key contact numbers near your phone so you can check out legitimate callers. Ask all other unwanted callers to go away.
• If you think someone is a rogue trader call us on 101. To report a distraction burglar or rogue trader who has taken your money and is still in the area - call 999. 

Please look out for your community and report any suspicious persons or vehicles to us on 101."

World War two plane flies over Llan

* The RAF Dakota which overflew Llangollen yesterday.

A number of local people yesterday (Thursday) reported seeing an RAF Dakota - the famous World War Two transport aircraft - overflying Llangollen on two occasions in the afternoon.

llanblogger asked the press office for the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, for more details about the plane painted with D-Day recognition white stripes on both wings.

This morning they have replied: "The Dakota was heading to RAF Valley to do a display for Valleys families’ day.

“Families’ days are when the station opens up to the families of service personnel so they can look around and see what their spouses/parents actually do.

“They also have various stalls and entertainments and it’s very much a social event as a thank you to them for putting up with the more unsociable aspects of the job.”

 

Dementia is society's biggest crisis, warns advisor

 

* Steve Ford, Dementia Care Lead  for Care Forum Wales.

 

A dementia expert from North Wales has warned the condition is the biggest crisis facing society today.

 

The stark message came from Steve Ford, the dementia advisor of Care Forum Wales (CFW) which represents more than 500 independent care providers in Wales.

 

There are 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK today, a number that’s forecast to double within a generation, a fact that Steve Ford describes as the “dementia time-bomb”.

 

By 2021, the number of people with dementia across Wales is projected to increase by 31 per cent and by as much as 44 per cent in some rural areas

 

Mr Ford, managing director Pembroke Nursing Homes in Colwyn Bay, was speaking at a free training event organised by Care Forum Wales at Conwy Business Centre.

 

He said: “Dementia really is a ticking time-bomb as the baby boomer generation reach old age there is a logistical challenge that we urgently need to address. We need to plan now to meet these huge challenges.

 

“Nursing homes and care providers need to work together now to create solutions. We will all be affected in one way or another.

 

"We need to incorporate positive change into our working practices at the care and nursing homes in which we work. We need to be bold, creative and above all emphatic.

 

“There is a perception that old age is a burden when we really should be celebrating longevity.

 

“We really are facing this demographic time-bomb with an increased expectation of higher quality services versus ever decreasing accommodation resources and funding.

 

“That means we can expect the number of people with dementia to double by the year 2040. It is essential, therefore, that care home staff are given the skills, expertise and knowledge to deliver safe and effective quality care with compassion.”

 

According to Ceri Roberts, managing director of Cariad Care Homes, which operates homes at Criccieth and Porthmadog, the seminar was excellent.

 

She said: “There is a great deal I and members of staff that have been able to attend can take back and cascade down to other staff and all our care assistants.

 

“There is so much we can do to and it’s about thinking outside the box when we go about our everyday nursing roles. Dementia is a huge issue for us and ensuring we provide the very best care is of paramount importance to us all.

 

“Being made aware of best practice and being able to learn from Steve Ford’s knowledge and years of practical experience is really important.”

 

It was a sentiment echoed by Maggie Hawley, deputy matron of Cerrig Yr Afon, Nursing and Residential Care Home, at Y Felinheli.

 

She said “It’s important we work together to ensure best practice and that we are all delivering the very best care we can. Everything we have learnt today I will be endeavouring to pass on to our carers and staff.

 

“I’m delighted Care Forum Wales, through Steve Ford, has organised these free to attend training seminars.”

 

Mario Kreft MBE, the Chair of Care Forum Wales, described Steve Ford as a "first class practitioner".

 

He said: "The fact that people are living longer is a great thing, but with that comes this significant increase of those people who will have a form of dementia and, of course, some of those need a great deal of care.

 

"The benefit of having a training session conducted by somebody of Steve's calibre as opposed to somebody who’s maybe just an academic is that he actually understands day in, day out, how you get the very best out of people, how you are able to develop your staff team to ensure the very best quality of care, best quality of life and that that care is delivered with respect and dignity in a very person centred way."

Chain Bridge re-opens after over 30 years

llanblogger special report ...

 

 

* Eddie Butler performs the official opening of the Chain Bridge.

 

 

* The first 10 VIPs walk across the re-opened bridge.

 

 

* Llangollen Town Clerk Gareth Thomas with Sandra Baker, clerk to Llantysilio Community Council, who were both closely

involved with the project, make the crossing.

 

* VIPs disembark at Llangollen Wharf after their return boat trip along the canal. 

LLANGOLLEN’S world famous Chain Bridge re-opened to the public today (Thursday) for the first time in over 30 years.

Eddie Butler, rugby commentator and presenter of the former BBC Wales series Hidden Histories, officially unveiled the iconic structure - thought to be the oldest chain link bridge in the world - following its recent £350,000 facelift, which took just over a year to complete.

VIPs arrived by steam train at Berwyn Station for the official opening ceremony at lunchtime and, after walking across the newly-opened bridge, travelled back to Llangollen Station by canal boat.

Among invited guests were John Pickering, a direct descendent of Exuperius Pickering who built the first bridge, and Sarah and Jamie Robertson, descendents of Henry and Sir Henry Robertson who built the second and third bridge.  

Llangollen Town and Llantysilio Community Councils embarked on a painstaking project to restore the historic Chain Bridge about four years ago after buying it for just £1 after it had fallen into disrepair after years of neglect.

The project received a large grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund plus funding from WREN, which distributes funds donated by FCC to the Landfill Communities Fund, Denbighshire County Council, Cadwyn Clwyd and the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Acknowledged as a gem of the Dee Valley, the Chain Bridge was originally built in 1817 by local coal merchant Exuperius Pickering to open up a cheap transport route across the River Dee enabling him to transport coal to the A5.

It was later rebuilt by Henry Robertson in the 1870s and again by his son. Sir Henry Beyer Robertson, in 1928.

He rebuilt the suspension bridge which can be seen today, re-using the old chain links as suspension cables.

The bridge will now re-establish the strong link between Llangollen heritage railway and the canal, part of the Pontcysyllte World Heritage site.

Descendants of both Exuperius Pickering and Henry Robertson will attend the official re-opening along with the Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Ken Skates AM, and Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones. 

Ken Skates said: “The re-opened Chain Bridge will act as the perfect addition to the wide heritage offer in this beautiful part of Wales.

“It sits at the heart of a World Heritage Site and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, making it a key part of the thriving tourism industry in the region.” 

* The first Chain Bridge (courtesy of Llangollen Museum). 

A distinctive engineering landmark, the bridge is of vital importance to the area’s industrial heritage and the re-opening has been welcomed by Nigel Clubb, chair of the Heritage Lottery Fund Committee for Wales, who said: “We’re thrilled to see this prominent feature from Llangollen’s past restored to its former glory and that National Lottery player’s money has played a part in this.

“I would like to congratulate the project team on their hard work on bringing the bridge back to life and look forward to seeing it thrive as an important local attraction once more.”

Samantha Jones, Chain Bridge heritage officer, said: “This has really been a labour of love for all involved and it’s so exciting to see all that hard work finally come to fruition. Communities in both Llangollen and Llantysilio have really come together to ensure that the bridge becomes an important transport link once more. We can’t wait for descendants of those who built the original bridges to mark the next chapter in the bridge’s history with us.”

Meleri Jones, WREN grant manager said: “WREN is committed to funding projects that make a real difference to local communities, children and families.

“We’re delighted to have been able to support the restoration of the Chain Bridge and look forward to seeing the new bridge in use once more.”

* Stewarding duties for the occasion were performed by members of Llangollen's Tidy Town Team.

* The third bridge (courtesy of Llangollen Museum).

Valley Girls take high level canal paddle

* Valley Girls before embarking on their canal adventure.

INTREPID members of Valley Girls WI proved their organisation isn’t all “Jam and Jerusalem” by taking the water – 38 metres above the ground.

Joined by members of Chirk and Trevor WIs, the Llangollen adventurers took an exhilarating paddle along the canal where it flows high in the sky over Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. 

A spokeswoman for Valley Girls said: “We made the trip under the watchful eye of ProAdventure from Llangollen who were excellent.

“They are keen to encourage more local groups to try out activities with them. They have clients from all over the UK and beyond but say rarely do local groups have a go. But the Valley Girls can highly recommend them.” 

 

 

* Paddling along 38 metres in the air.

 

Expert airs views on easing Castle Street traffic

* Traffic expert Ben Hamilton-Baillie addresses the Town Hall audience.

THE scrapping of traffic lights at the A5 junction, the creation of special zones to help slow down vehicles as they enter the town and flattening of kerbs on the bridge.

These were amongst the suggestions put forward by a visiting expert to ease traffic problems on Llangollen’s busy Castle Street at a public meeting last night (Tuesday).

Earlier this year the Cittaslow Llangollen group, which aims to improve local quality of life, ran a crowd funding scheme to collect enough money to get renowned traffic engineer Ben Hamilton-Baillie to take a look at the town’s main street and suggest solutions to deal with snarl-ups.

After spending the day analysing conditions in and around Castle Street he presented his findings to a meeting in the Town Hall.   

Mr Hamilton-Baillie has an impressive track record of producing schemes to cure traffic headaches in towns across the UK and abroad, all based on balancing out the competing requirements of drivers and pedestrians.

He told an audience of about 60 people, including representatives of the town and county councils, that while he did not have any solutions he would offer a number of ideas to improve Castle Street which could form the basis of future discussion.

Explaining that many towns were now filled with “expensive kit” such as signs, signals and lights, to control traffic, Llangollen was “nowhere near as bad” as some other places.

He went on to give examples of schemes he had worked on, including London’s Exhibition Road and Poynton in Cheshire, where measures put in place to slow down traffic and create pedestrian areas even at once-busy junctions had been highly successful.

These had been based on introducing features such as paved areas which could be shared by vehicles and pedestrians.

Stressing that it was a “great mistake to treat drivers as idiots,” Mr Hamilton-Baillie that determining the safe speed at which vehicles could pass through a town centre was crucial to success and provided the basis for all other aspects of a scheme.

He also said that while red lights could be useful to stop traffic in some cases, he did not like to give motorists a green light, which suggested they were free to speed ahead when traffic lights change.

Giving instances of where lights had been removed completely making no difference to safety, he said: “I’m not sure the signals at the junction of the A5 and Castle Street are necessary. I would do something else.”

He also explained the importance of clearly defining the places where vehicles should change from highway driving to a much slower style.

In Llangollen, with its two main roads, he suggested the creation of paved areas in the road to highlight these spots – around the Sarah Ponsonby pub in Mill Street and in front of St John’s Church in Abbey Road on the A539/A542 and near the end of Brook Street and the junction of  Market Street on the A5.

Mr Hamilton-Baillie also suggested the creation of pedestrian areas in Queen Square and around Royal Gardens, site of the town’s war memorial, to help slow down traffic passing along Castle Street.

Another of his ideas to achieve the same aim was to flatten the kerbs on the bridge.

Other possibilities were the re-siting of pedestrian crossings in front of the Bridge End Hotel and close to Stan’s supermarket to more practical areas for pedestrians.

On the often thorny issue of parking along a stretch of Castle Street, he said it was “no bad thing” for traffic to have to pause as it passed the row of cars.

However, he said it would be more practical to have short blocks of parking rather than one long line as at present.

At the end of his hour-long presentation, which was followed by a question and answer session, Mr Hamilton-Baillie told the audience: “Llangollen is not in crisis but you need to have a clear vision of which way you want to go.”

Town councillor Phil Thane, who arranged the exercise, said Mr Hamilton-Baillie’s ideas would be discussed by the town council at its meeting this week and there could then be discussions between the authority and Denbighshire County Council.

UB40 will be together on eisteddfod stage

* UB40 will close Llangollen 2015 on Sunday July 12.

The music legend who formed one of the world’s top reggae bands has spoken about the bitter feud with his brother who's in a rival version of their original group.

Ali Campbell, the legendary voice of UB40, will be one of the star attractions at the Llangollen International Music Festival this year.

He will be reunited on the eisteddfod stage with percussionist, trumpet player and vocalist, Astro and keyboard player, Mickey, all three being founding members of the original UB40.

Campbell and Mickey left the original UB40 in 2008 but the vocalist admits things just weren’t the same until Astro joined them in 2013 after he walked away from the remaining UB40 band members.

He said: “It was, and remains, a very acrimonious and bitter split. My brother, Duncan, betrayed me. I used to go to him for advice and told him I wasn’t happy with the way the band was being managed.

“He agreed with me that the band was being badly represented and business decisions were being wrongly taken and told me the best thing to do was walk away and refuse to sing any longer which is what I did.

“The next thing I know Duncan has taken over as lead vocalist and has been murdering my songs ever since.”

He added: “But once Astro decided he had to walk away - the original UB40 doing a country album being the final straw - and join Mickey and myself it’s being like going back to our early UB40 days.

“High energy, packed sell-out audiences and we are back on our mission taking reggae music to the world.

“Llangollen, I can promise, won’t have ever seen a concert like the one we intend to put on. I know Status Quo were there last year, well I can promise you this, we’ll smash them."

The gig on Sunday, July 12, will be the final concert of Eisteddfod week and is being sponsored by the Village Bakery.

Managing Director Robin Jones said: "We're very proud to have supported the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod for a number of years because it is such a fantastic festival that puts Wales on the world map.

 

"We can't wait to be in the audience when Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey bring the curtain down on this year's. I'm sure it's going to a brilliant concert."

 

Other big draws during Eisteddfod week include Oscar-winning music legend Burt Bacharach, the immensely popular Canadian singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright, heart-throb tenor Alfie Boe and TV choirmaster Gareth Malone.

 

There will also be the world premiere of a new work to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Welsh colony in Patagonia in a concert that will also star former royal harpist Catrin Finch.

 

According to Campbell, now 56, who was born and raised in Birmingham, he can't wait to experience the magic of the Llangollen Eisteddfod.

He said: “We are promoting reggae to packed audiences right around the world and are really looking forward to Llangollen.”

“Reggae just gives you something different, a freedom I suppose. It’s probably the youngest genre around but I listen to music from all around the world and the reggae influence is massive. It’s so influential."

Campbell, who now lives in Christchurch on the south coast, added: "We are in the middle of world tour which is going brilliantly. The simple truth is we are the hottest reggae band around. If you want real reggae and the real UB40 then it has to be us.

“In the last year we have performed in Australia and New Zealand, where I was one of the three judges on New Zealand’s Got talent, and Papua New Guinea.

Father-of-eight Campbell added: “I just want to put on the best show possible and that’s what I promise UB40 fans who come to see our shows. Llangollen won’t have seen anything like it, it’s that simple.”

The Llangollen International Music Festival's musical director, Eilir Owen Griffiths, said: “We try to ensure as many genres as possible are represented at the Eisteddfod and I’m sure the audience will be thrilled to hear Ali Campbell, the legendary voice of UB40, with Astro and Mickey performing all those top UB40 hits.

“It promises to be a wonderful final concert and it will be a great way to bring the curtain down on what promises to be another fantastic week-long festival.   

He added: “The unique atmosphere will be evident on the Eisteddfod field throughout the week as hundreds of competitors and thousands of visitors mingle with spontaneous performances breaking out.

“It’s a fantastic event and, like many of our volunteers, staff and supporters, I absolutely love it.”

* To book tickets and for more details on the 2014 festival go to the website at www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk

Castle Street traffic meeting tonight

This meeting is tonight ...

Councillor's business tip for Llan firms

Llangollen county councillor Stuart Davies is urging local businesses to contact a big construction firm if they wish to gain work from the construction going on in the county.

He said: "Read Construction is holding a 'Meet the Buyer' event on Thursday, May 28.

"The event will take place from 9.30am to 12.30pm in the site compound at Bodnant Community School in Prestatyn.

"Read wants to meet local businesses with a view to their potentially working on the construction of the Bodnant Community School extension and other projects.

"Read operates all across North Wales, so the opportunities for suppliers to engage with the company are not limited to the Bodnant project.

"The extension and refurbishment of the school is set to be completed in summer 2016 and will allow 420 full time pupils and up to 60 part time nursery pupils to attend the school."